Inductee — Paul Gries

Paul Gries

Paul was a graduate of Mater Dei High School and Indiana State University. He played professionally for two years with Washington Senators minor league system.

His coaching career began at Evansville Central in 1981 and continued til 2001, the year of his retirement. .During those years Paul recorded 406 wins and 196 losses, which included seven IHSAA sectional, two regional, one semi-state championship. The Central Bears were state Runners-up in 1987. In addition there were seven Southern Indiana Athletic Conference titles.

Coachs honors include S.I.A.C. Coach of the Year in 1981, 87 and 98; North-South All Star coach in 1987; National Regional Coach of the Year in 2000

Several of his former players are now high school coaches including Andy Rice, Harrison High School; Darren Cato, Princeton High School; Dirk Lindauer, North High School and Derek Lindauer, Moline, IL. High School. Andy Benes, a former player, is currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Paul is currently the president of the Tri State Hot Stove League which raises money for youth athletics in the tri state area.